On a warm and humid Sunday morning the Hays Inlet Bushcare group met at the Silcock street entrance in order to start working on the site. The main task for the day was the removal of weeds at the entrance to the park as well as tagging replanted vegetation. This would enable the Council maintenance contractors to move in and slash the high growing reeds and weeds but leave the native vegetation to continue growing along the channel and the edge of the lagoon. The location meant the volunteers were able to stay out in the breeze and also avoid the mosquitoes.

Our team leader, Chris Joyce put us straight to work with one group labeling important plants whilst the other tackled the weeds. Alex Volling from REF Inc provided some expertise in terms of identifying which plants were weeds (rather important to say the least)! The group was also joined by Councillor Koliana Winchester who also got stuck into the weeds and showed some skill with a mattock. The damp soil made their removal (mainly clumps of grass) much easier. A couple of highlights included a visit from a Royal Spoonbill, a few glimpses of a tribe of Red-Backed Fairy Wrens and some large fish appearing at the entrance of the channel (we think they were Tilapia – but not sure).

Afterwards a few members of the team gathered for a coffee and a chat before heading home to enjoy the rest of their Sunday. The next bushcare session is schedule for the first Sunday in March which also coincides with “Clean Up Australia Day”. The committee from REF Inc may well look at combining the two events – a chance to clean up as well as continue to tackle the important bushcare work at the site.

I really enjoyed the morning catching up and working with group members. So impressed by the enthusiasm and how much work that was done. Just shows you what can happen with a team of committed volunteers - thanks everybody!!

Reply

Samantha Abbott

2/9/2016 10:11:01 am

Well done guys! Looks like a great mornings work! Will be at the next one!